Safety razor and blade



Jan. 16, 1934. M, B` BEHRMAN SAFETY RAZOR AND BLADE Filed Aug. 23, 1930 2 Sheets-Sheet l INVENTOR M reus E. Be/zr/mm A%RNEY Jan. 16, M. B BEHRMAN SAFETY RAZOR AND BLADE Filed Aug. 23 1930 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 Marci/5 E, en/wan Patented Jan. 16, 1934 UNTED SAFETY RAZOR AND BLADE Application August 23, 1930. Serial No. 477,265

9 Claims.

My present invention relates generally to razors, and has particular reference to a safety razor and to a novel type of wafer-type blade.

It is well known that maximum shaving efciency can be achieved only when the cutting edge or" a blade is positioned in a predetermined manner in association with a guard edge, and that such positioning is emciently eiected by providing blade stops upon the guard edge so as to permit the cutting edge oi the blade to abut against them.

A general object of my invention is to provide a safety razor device wherein a wafer-type blade is movable with relationship to a blade seat so that its cutting edge may be made to abut against blade stops provided on the guard edge.

A more particular object of my invention lies in the provision of a device and blade whereby the advantages of a blade-stop engagement may be achieved in connection with a double-edged, wafer-type blade having two opposite and substantially parallel cutting edges. Accordingly, my present invention relates to that type or" razor construction wherein a blade seat is cooperable with a cover so that a wafer-type blade oi a double-edged character may be sandwiched between the seat and cover with its shaving edges in proper operative association and position with a pair of oppositely arranged guard edges.

One of the features oi my invention lies in providing a means whereby the two cutting edges of the blade may be simultaneously moved relatively to a pair of guard edges.

Another object of my invention lies in providing a wafer-type blade which is of such construction as to permit its employment in a razor device of the character mentioned, the blade being provided with certain uniquely arranged openings and recesses so as to provide certain abutment walls or edges which permit the blade to be engaged, centered, retained, and adjusted in a predetermined manner.

More particularly, it is a feature of my invention to provide a wafer-type blade having at least one cutting edge and one lateral or side edge extending rearwardly from the cutting edge, the blade being provided (lst) with an opening or slot adiacent to the side edge and communicating with the latter to permit the passage through said opening of portions of the razor device, and, more particularly, a locking plug or the like; and (2nd) with at least one cut-away portion or recess adjacent to said opening and defining a pair of abutment walls, one of which is substantially parallel to the cutting edge, and the other of which is (Cl. SGM-l2) substantially perpendicular to the cutting edge.

In one embodiment, the cut-away portion of the blade which provides the abutment shoulders referred to its contiguous with respect to the firstnamed opening which permits the passage therethrough of a locking plug or the like, the resultant structure being one wherein a sort of T-shaped recess is defined at the side edge of the blade.

in other, and preferred, embodiments, the cutaway portion which defines the abutment shoule5 ders is closely adjacent to the rst-named opening but is separated therefrom by a portion of the side edge which projects laterally in the form of a tongue. Accordingly, where two cut-away portions are provided, one on each side of the rst-named opening in the blade, the resultant structure embodies a pair of laterally projecting and spaced tongues.

The razor which I have herein illustrated by way of example to explain the general nature of my invention, and the particular features of the wafer-type blade which I have provided, is composed of a blade seat having two opposed guard edges, together with a cover which is adapted to be clamped downwardly onto the blade seat. The seat is so constructed that the guard edges are capable of movement toward and away from each other. Stated otherwise, the blade seat consists of two separated and opposed sections relatively movable with respect to each other, each 85. section being provided with a guard edge having blade stops thereon. In one of the forms herein illustrated, these blade seat sections are normally spaced and are adapted to approach each other by manipulation oi a handle or the like. In another embodiment herein illustrated, the blade seat sections are normally close together and are adapted to be separated in a similar manner.

In accordance with my invention, I am enabled to achieve the desirable object of clamping a blade in position and thereupon moving blade stops into abutment with the cutting edges of the blade. Where the blade seat has a generally upward-convex configuration, my present invention provides for assured flexure of the blade onto the seat and also for proper abutment of the cutting edges with respect to the blade stops.

Another feature of my invention lies in providing a device, preferably in the form of a locking plug or the like, for positively preventing movement of the blade seat sections toward one another until after the blade has been clamped or ilexed, said device serving also to lock the no clamping mechanism when the razor is ready for use.

I achieve the foregoing objects, and such other objects as may hereinafter appear or be pointed out, in the manner illustratively exemplified in the accompanying drawings, wherein- Figure 1 is an exploded view of one form of safety razor embodying the features of my present invention, a portion of the cover being broken away;

Figure 2 is an enlarged vertical section, taken substantially along the line 4 4 of Figure 6, during the initial step of positioning and clamping the blade;

Figure 3 is a view similar to Figure 2, showing the relationship of the parts as the blade is flexed;

Figure 4 is a view similar to Figure 3, showing the blade completely clamped and the clamping means locked;

Figure 5 is an enlarged end view of the device when the parts are in the relationship of Figure 4;

Figure 5 is a longitudinal cross-section when the parts are in the relationship oi Figure 4;

Figure 7 is a bottom view, with parts broken away, taken substantially along the line 7 7 of Figure 6;

Figure 8 is a view similar to Figure l, illustrating a modication;

Figure 9 is a vertical cross-section of the device of Figure 8 when the blade is clamped;

Figure 1G is a view similar to Figure 9, showing the initial step of clamping the blade;

Figure l1 is a fragmentary view, similar to Figure 10, showing the manner in which the clamping mechanism is locked;

Figure 12 is a bottom View, similar to Figure '7, and taken substantially in the direction 12-12 of Figure 9; and

Figure 13 is a perspective view of a Inodied type of blade.

Referring to Figures 1-7, the embodiment herein illustrated has been shown with a generaly upward-convex blade seat 20 mounted upon a handle 21, this seat being adapted to receive a double-edged blade 22 and a cover 23. The seat 2O is provided with two separated and opposed seat sections 24 and 25, a guard edge 26 being provided on the section 24 and a similar guard edge 27 being provided on the section 25. Blade stops 28 are provided on the guard edge 26, and blade stops 29 on the guard edge 27.

The sections 24 and 25 are normally in slightly spaced relationship, and, as a result, a passageway, which may be termed a slot 3G, extends substantially parallel to the two guard edges midway between them. This slot merges at the midportion of the seat with the medial opening 3l which is in alignment with the axis of the handle 21.

The blade 22 is provided with a cutting edge 33 adapted to overlie the guard edge 26 and a cutting edge 34 adapted to overlie the guard edge 27. The blade of Figure 1 is also provided with a medial aperture 35 adapted to overlie the opening 31.

39 extends inwardly from the other side edge 37. The opening 38 is in communication with the side edge 36, and the opening 39 is in communication with the side edge 37.

In accordance with my invention, I have provided each side edge with certain cut-away portions or recesses which dene abutment shoulders. Adjacent to the opening 38, and between this opening and the cutting edge 34, I have provided a cut-away portion or recess 40 which provides an abutment shoulder 41 and an abutment shoulder 42. The shoulder 41 is substantially perpendicular to the cutting edges 33 and 34, and the abutment shoulder 42 is substantially parallel to the cutting edges.

On the other side of the opening 38, and between the latter and the cutting edge 33, I provide a corresponding cut-away portion or recess 43 which denes an abutment shoulder 44 substantially perpendicular to the cutting edges and an abutment shoulder 45 substantially parallel to the cutting edges.

It is to be noted that the side edge 36 projects laterally in the form of two spaced tongues, one tongue lying beween the opening 38 and the recess 40, and the other tongue lying between the opening 38 and the recess 43.

The other side edge 37 is similarly provided with recesses, one on each side of the opening 39, these recesses defining four abutment shoulders corresponding to the shoulders 4l, 42, 44, and 45.

The blade is so constructed with respect to the blade seat that when it is applied thereto the openings 33 and 39 will overlie the slot 30, while the abutment shoulders 41 and 44 and the correspending two abutment shoulders on the other side of the blade will lie substantially flush with the lateral edges of the blade seat 20.

The cover 23 is provided with the medially depending shank 46 which has a threaded portion 47 at its lower end, this shank being adapted to extend downwardly through the aperture 35 of the blade and through the opening 31 of the blade seat into the handle 21.

At each opposite end of the cover 23 I provide three downwardly projecting walls or projections. The center projection 48 is relatively staunch and is adapted to pass downwardly through the opening 38. The projection 48 carries a locking plug 49 which is spaced from the body of the cover 23 by a gap substantially equal to, or slightly greater than, the thickness of the blade seat at its central portion. Ihe plug 49 passes freely through the opening 38 when the cover is applied to the blade seat, and the plug 49 is adapted to pass completely through the opening 38 and through the slot 38 so as to underlie the blade seat when the device is completely clamped.

On each side of the projection 48, and slightly spaced from the latter, are the depending walls 5i) and 51 which are relatively thin and serve as positioning walls adapted to cooperate with the abutment shoulders of the blade. More particularly, the wall 50 is adapted to pass downwardly through the recess 43 of the blade and then lies alongside or" the lateral edge of the blade seat 20. The saine is true with respect to the wall 51 which passes downwardly through the recess 40.

At the opposite end of the cover 23'are three corresponding dependencies 52, 53, and 54 which pass downwardly, respectively, through the opening 39 and through the two recesses positioned one on each side of the opening 39.

Referring to Figures 2 5, I will point out that the seat sections 24 and 25 are respectively provided with depending portions and 56, the latter merging at their lower ends in the portion 57. The portions 55 and 56 constitute a sleeve through which the shank 46 may extend, and they are so constructed that the seat sections 24 and 25 will be resiliently movable toward each other although normally spaced from each other.

The handle 21 is formed hollow and is provided with the interiorly threaded portion 58 adapted to engage the threaded lower end 47 of the shank 46.

The handle 2l is constructed to be inseparably associated with the portions 55 and 56 after the device has been initially manufactured, but the handle 21 is nevertheless rotatable with respect to these portions. This may be accomplished in the manner shown, wherein a resilient, split collar 59 is mounted in a shallow, annular channel provided on the portion 57, the collar engaging within a similar shallow, annular channel provided on the interior Wall of the handle 21 slightly above the portion 58.

The portions 55 and 56 are also provided with a downwardly converging shoulder 60, this shoulder being adapted to coact with the upwardly divergent upper edge of the handle 21.

When the device is used, it is preferable rst to turn the cover 23 upside-down as shown in Figure 7, and then to apply the blade 22 thereto. Referring to the left of Figure 7, it is to be noted that the abutment shoulders 44 and 45 coact with the depending wall 50 of the cover, and the abutment shoulders 41 and 42 coact with the depending wall 51 of the cover to prevent edgewise movement of the blade. The blade is thus initially positioned in a substantially immovable manner with respect to the cover, and this serves to center the blade. It is further to be noted that the opening 38 permits passage therethrough of the dependency 48 of the cover.

When the blade is thus applied, it is highly advantageous to grasp the blade at the midportions of the opposite side edges, viz., at the two laterally projecting tongues on each side edge, since this affords a sure grasp without likelihood of injury and permits the blade to be applied to the cover in an expeditious manner.

After the blade is thus located with respect to the cover, the blade seat is associated with the cover and the parts will then be found to assume the relationship illustrated most clearly in Figure 2. In Figure 2, the blade 22 has been initially sandwiched between the cover 23 and the blade seat. The locking plug 49 has passed downwardly through the opening 38 in the blade and is for the moment positioned within the slot 30.

The handle 21 is now manipulated by rotation thereof to engage the lower threaded end 47 of the shank 46, and this operates to draw the cover 23 downwardly onto the seat, thereby clamping the blade 22 between the cover and the seat. During this clamping operation, the seat sections 24 and 25 are prevented from moving toward each other by virtue of the interposition between them of the locking plug 49 and the corresponding locking plug at the other end of the cover. These locking plugs function in this manner until the blade has been completely flexed, as shown in Figure 8, at which time the locking plug 49 lies wholly beneath the blade seat.

Referring to Figure 3, further rotation of the handle 21 will now cause coaction between the upper beveled edge of the handle and the conical shoulder 60, the seat sections being thus squeezed together above the locking plug 49. This causes the blade stops to be brought into abutment, respectively, with the cutting edges of the blade 22. There is no possibility of the blade stops failing to encounter the blade edges, since the movement of the blade stops cannot be initiated until after the blade has been completely flexed.

The plug 49 and the corresponding plug on the opposite side of the cover are thus locked in positions beneath the seat, and accidental withdrawal of the cover is prevented. The cover 23 is securely locked to the seat and will remain so until the handle 21 is again manipulated. Such manipulation of the handle 21 will serve initially to spread the seat sections and ultimately to release the shank 46.

In Figures 8-12, I have illustrated a modified type of blade, together with a razor device with corresponding modications in this respect and also slightly modified with respect to the adjustment of the seat sections.

So far as the blade 22' is concerned, it is provided with the opposite cutting edges 33 and 34' and with the lateral or side edges 36 and 37'. As before, each side edge is provided with an opening which permits a locking plug to pass therethrough and with cut-out portions or recesses adjacent to the opening to provide abutment shoulders for preventing movement of the blade.

In the side edge S6 I have provided an opening 38' which extends toward the other side edge. The corresponding opening 89 is provided in the edge 37'.

On one side of the opening 38' I provide a recess 40 which defines the abutment shoulders 41' and 42. On the other side of the opening 38 I provide a recess 43' which defines the abutment shoulders 44' and 45'. The shoulders 41' and 44 are substantially perpendicular to the cutting edges 33' and 34', serving to limit the movement of the blade in a direction parallel to the cutting edges. The shoulders 42l and 45' are substantially parallel to the cutting edges and serve to limit the movement of the blade in a direction perpendicular to the cutting edges.

It is to be noted that, as in the first embodiment, the blade portions between the opening 38' and each of the recesses 40' and 43 project laterally in the form of two spaced tongues.

The blade seat of this modified razor is again composed of two sections 24' and 25' with a slot 8G between them, the slot merging at the center with an opening 31 aligned with the axis of the handle 21'. In this form, each lateral edge of the blade seat is provided with a pair of depressions and 71 arranged one on each side of the slot 30'.

The cover a3' is provided at each end with a dependency which fullls the same general functions as the dependencies 48, 50, and 51 described in connection with Figure 1. Viewed horizontally, each dependency is substantially U-shaped, the arms 72 and 73 of the U serving to cooperate with the abutment shoulders 41', 42', 44', and 45'. These arms 72 and 73 are adapted to pass downwardly, respectively, through the recesses 43 and 40' and through the depressions 70 and 71.

At the midportion of the dependency or projection is a locking plug 49' which is adapted to function in the same manner as the plug 49, passing downwardly through the opening 38 of the blade and completely through the slot of the blade seat.

When the device is used, it is preferable first to turn the cover 23' upside-down, as shown most clearly in Figure 12, and then to apply the blade 22 thereto. It is to be noted thatthe abutment shoulder cooperates with the outer face of the arm 72, while the abutment shoulder 42 cooperates with the outer face oi the arm 78. Also, the abutment shoulder 44 cooperates with the inner or end face of the arm 72, while the abutment shoulder 41 cooperates with the end face of the arm 73. These engagements of the abutment shoulders with the arms 72 and 73 of the dependency formed on the cover serve to position the blade with respect to the cover and prevent shifting thereof during the assembly of the device. It is further to be noted that the opening 38 in the blade permits the passage therethrough of the locking plug 49'.

When the blade is initially positioned with respect to the cover, it assumes the position of Figure 10, wherein it is to be noted that the locking plug 49 is interposed between the seat sections and 25. When the blade is completely clamped, it assumes the position of Figures 9 and 11, and it is to be noted that the blade seat sections have closed together above the locking plug 49', thereby locking the blade in clamped position with its cutting edges in abutment with respective blade stops.

In the razor device of Figures 8-12, the sections 24 and 25 are normally close together, but are resilently spreadable. In Figure 9, it is to be noted that the section 24 is formed at the upper end of a portion while the section 25 is formed at the upper end of a portion 55', the portions 55 and 56 merging, within the handle 2l', at the bottom sleeve portion 57. The opening 31 converges downwardly as at 74 to provide a conical surface.

. Within the handle is a rod attached at its lower end to the grip portion 75. At its upper end the rod 75 has an upwardly diverging, conical portion 77, a cylindrical portion 78, and a discshaped head 79. Under normal conditions, the parts are in the relationship shown in Figure 9, the head 79 approximately fitting Awithin the opening 3l', and the seat sections being relatively close together. When it is desired to separate the seat sections, the grip portion '76 is pulled downwardly into the dot-and-dash position, this causing the cylindrical portion 78 to wedge its way into the position of Figure l0. This serves to spread the seat sections to permit the locking plug e9 to be inserted therebetween.

In this embodiment, the cover is simply pressed downwardly onto the seat by manual pressure, and when it is rmly in position, with the locking plug 49' beneath the seat, the grip 76 is pushed upwardly, and the resilience of the portions 55 and 56 will cause the latter to snap together into the position of Figure 11.

In Figure 13, I have shown a type of blade which might be used in conjunction with the device of Figure 8. This blade is substantially the same as the blade 22', but is not provided with the outwardly disposed tongues. To show the relationship of this blade with that of Figure 8 and the manner in which it is usable in place of the blade 22', I have used the saine reference numerals as before.

In the lateral or side edge 36 I provide an opening 38 which permits the locking plug 49' to pass through the blade. Adjacent to the opening 38" and on one side thereof I provide the recess 40" which defines the abutment shoulders 41 and 42". On the other side of the opening 38 I provide the recess 43 which denes the abutment shoulders 44" and a5".

t will be obvious that changes in the details herein described and illustrated for the purpose of explaining the nature oi my invention may be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as expressed in the appended claims. It is therefore intended that these details be interpreted as illustrative, and not in a limiting sense.

Having thus described my invention and illustrated its use, what I claim as new and desire to secure by Letters Patent is- 1. In a safety razor, a blade seat comprising two opposed and spaced sections, a cover for said seat, a double-edged blade adapted to be clamped between the blade seat and the cover, said blade having an opening therein, and a locking plug carried by and spaced from the cover a suihcient distance so that when the locking plug is passed through the blade opening and through the space between the sections, it will in the initial part oi' its movement, position itself between said sections to maintain them in spaced relation and upon the completion of this movement will pass entirely through and beyond the space between the sections so as to permit the sections to be brought into adjaccncy.

2. In safety razor, a blade seat comprising two opposed and spaced sections, a cover for said seat, a double-edged blade adapted to be clamped between the blade seat and the cover, said blade having an opening adjacent to each side edge thereof and communicating with said side edge, and a locking plug carried by and spaced from the cover a sufficient distance so that when the locking plug is passed through the blade opening and through the space between the sections, it will in the initial part of its movement, position itself between said sections to maintain them in spaced relation and upon the completion of this movement, will pass entirely between the sections so as to permit the sections to be brought into adjacency.

3. A safety razor comprising a split blade seat having a pair of opposed guard edges, said seat being adapted to receive a double-edged blade thereon, and a cover for said seat, each end of said covei` being provided with a plug depending and spaced from said cover and adapted to pass downwardly through the split in said seat, said cover being also provided with a pair of depending walls, one on each side of said plug and a third member intermediate thereof, said walls being adapted to engage the side portion of the blade on said seat so as to position the blade with respect to said cover and said third member being adapted to rst position itself between the sections to maintain them spaced and then to pass therebeyond.

Ll. A safety razor comprising a blade seat adapted to receive a double-edged blade and composed of two opposed and spaced sections, said seat having a depression therein at each lateral edge thereof, a cover for said seat, projections carried by the cover and adapted to seat by said cover, said blade having a pair of openings therein positioned to permit said plugs to pass through therespectively, and said lade having a recess in a side edge thereof to provide an abutment shoulder parallel to its cutting edge and another abutment shoulder perpendicular thereto, said abutment shoulders being engageable by said cover to hold the blade in centered position with respect to said cover.

5. A safety razor comprising a split blade seat having a pair of opposed guard edges, said seat being adapted to receive a double-edged blade thereon, and a cover for said seat, each end of said cover being provided with a depending plug adapted to pass downwardly through the split in said seat, said cover being also provided with a pair of depending walls, one on each side of said plug, and a double-edged blade having a pair of laterally projecting tongues adapted to extend between said plug and each of said depending walls respectively.

6. A safety razor comprising a split blade seat having a pair of opposed guard edges, said seat being adapted to receive a double-edged blade thereon, and a cover for said seat, each end of said cover being provided with a depending plug adapted to pass downwardly through the split in said seat, said cover being also provided with a pair of depending walls, one on each side of said plug, and a double-edged blade having a pair of laterally projecting tongues adapted to extend between said plug and each of said depending walls respectively, said blade having an opening between said tongues adapted to permit said plug to pass therethrough, and said blade having a recess on each side or said opening, each recess deiining an abutment wall parallel to, and an abutment wall perpendicular to, the cutting edge, said abutment walls cooperating with said depending walls to position the blade.

'7. In a safety razor and in combination, a holder comprising a pair of opposed and relatively movable sections to form a blade seat member having a curved blade seat, each section being provided with a guard edge and with blade corner engaging stops, and a cover member having its lower surface curved into conformity with the curvature of the blade seat for flexing the blade and for clamping a blade when iiexed to the seat, and means for moving said seat sections toward each other and said two members into blade clamping relation; and a blade received between said blade clamping members and provided with opposed shaving edges and with the sides cut away so as to present in each side a cut away portion centrally of the two shaving edges and a out away portion laterally of and adjacent to said rst out away portion, the cover member being provided on each side with a lug generally directed transversely of the cutting edges and to be received in said second mentioned out away portion, and a second lug extended inwardly beyond said first lug to be received within said rst mentioned and centrally positioned cut away portion, said first mentioned cut away portion being extended inwardly so as to accommodate said inwardly extending second lug, and the second mentioned lug being adapted to be received in and to pass through both the centrally positioned cut Aaway portion and between the two sections of the blade seat to hold the two sections of the blade seat spaced apart during the blade clamping operation and until the blade has been fully exed into registration with said blade corner engaging stops.

8. In a safety razor and in combination, a holder comprising a pair of opposed and relatively movable sections to form a blade seat member having a curved blade seat, each section being provided with a guard edge and with blade corner engagin stops, and a cover member having its lower surface curved into conformity with the curvature of the blade seat for iiexing the blade and for clamping a blade when flexed to the seat, and means for moving said seat sections toward each other and said two members into blade clamping relation; and a blade received between said blade clamping members and provided with a shaving edge and with the sides out away so as to present in each side a cut away portion midway of the two sections, a cut away portion to one side of and adjacent to said first out away portion and a finger between the two, the first mentioned cut away portion being of greater depth than the other, the cover member being provided on each side with inwardly directed lugs, one of said lugs extending inwardly to a greater extent than the other and being received in said first mentioned out away portion, said longer lug being adapted to be received in and to pass through both the centrally positioned cut away portion and between the two sections of the blade seat to hold the two sections of the blade seat spaced apart during the blade clamping operation and until the blade has been fully flexed into registration with blade stop and corner engaging corners of the guard.

9. In a safety razor and in combination, a holder comprising a pair of opposed and relatively movable sections to form a blade seat member having a curved blade seat, each section being provided with a guard edge and with blade corner engaging stops, and a cover member having its lower surface curved into conformity with the curvature of the blade seat for flexing the blade and for clamping a blade when flexed to the seat, and means for moving said seat sections toward each other and said two members into blade clamping relation; and a blade received between said blade clamping members and provided with opposed shaving edges with the sides cut away so as to present in each side a out away portion midway oi the two sections and a cut away portion to each side of and adjacent to said rst cut away portion, the cover member being provided on each side with three inwardly directed lugs, the middle lug extending inwardly beyond said two outer lugs and adapted to be received within said centrally positioned cut away portion, said central cut away portion being extended inwardly so as to accommodate said inward extension of said middle lug, the middle lug being adapted to be received in and to pass through both the centrally positioned cut away portion and between the two sections of the blade seat to hold the two sections of the blade seat spaced apart during the blade clamping operation and until the blade has been fully flexed into registration with blade stop and corner engaging corners of the guard.

MARCUS B. BEHRMAN. 

